Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli

It was one of those long weekdays where the clock felt like it was moving backward. Work had been a lot, the house was loud, and dinner needed to happen without much effort from me. I had chicken in the fridge, a bag of ravioli in the freezer, and a slow cooker that was begging to be useful. So I leaned into cozy food mode. I seasoned the chicken, poured in the broth and cream, tossed in those sun dried tomatoes that always feel a little fancy, and let the whole thing bubble away while life kept happening around me.

When dinner rolled around, the house smelled like something you would expect to order at a small Italian place with soft lighting and cloth napkins. The chicken shredded like a dream, the sauce turned thick and velvety, and when the ravioli went in, everything came together into this rich, creamy, comforting bowl of goodness. It was the kind of meal that makes people linger at the table a little longer, asking for just one more scoop.

This is the meal I make when I want something that feels special but does not demand that I hover over the stove all evening. It is perfect for busy days, cozy weekends, or anytime you want dinner to feel like a hug in a bowl.

What Is Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli?

Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli is a creamy chicken and pasta dinner made in the crockpot using tender chicken breasts, a rich sun dried tomato cream sauce, and cheese filled ravioli that cook right in the sauce. The result is a comforting, restaurant style pasta dish that feels indulgent while still being easy and hands off.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It Comfort: This recipe lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting so you can go live your life while dinner handles itself.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream, cream cheese, and sun dried tomatoes creates a sauce that tastes like it took hours of effort.
• Family Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters tend to fall for creamy pasta and tender chicken.
• Great for Busy Nights: It fits perfectly into those days when you want real food without real stress.
• Leftovers Reheat Beautifully: This dish is just as good the next day, which makes lunch feel like a small victory.

When to Serve This Recipe

• Weeknight Dinners: This is a lifesaver on nights when cooking feels like too much.
• Casual Family Gatherings: It feeds a crowd without making you feel like you worked all day in the kitchen.
• Cozy Date Nights at Home: It feels special without being complicated.
• Cold Weather Comfort Meals: Creamy pasta just hits different when the weather is chilly.
• Potluck Friendly Main Dish: Easy to transport and always a hit at the table.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts rich and tender when slow cooked
• 1 teaspoon salt helps season the chicken from the inside out
• ½ teaspoon black pepper adds warmth without overpowering
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning brings in classic herby flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder easy garlic flavor without chopping
• 2 cups chicken broth forms the base of the sauce and keeps everything moist
• 1 cup heavy cream gives the sauce its rich creamy body
• ½ cup chopped sun dried tomatoes adds bold savory depth and color
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes gentle heat that can be adjusted to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed melts into the sauce and makes it extra velvety
• 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli hearty pasta that cooks right in the sauce
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with salty savory richness

How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Base

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken. Take a moment to gently rub the seasoning in so every bite gets flavor.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Sauce Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Give the liquid a gentle stir so everything is evenly distributed around the chicken.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce. Do not stir yet. It will melt down beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. This is where the magic happens and your kitchen starts smelling like something special.

Step 5: Shred and Return the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

Step 6: Add the Ravioli and Parmesan

Stir in the frozen cheese ravioli and shredded Parmesan cheese. Gently fold everything together so the ravioli are coated in that creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish Cooking the Ravioli

Cover and cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, until the ravioli are tender and heated through. Give it a final gentle stir and let it rest for a few minutes so the sauce can thicken.

Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a slightly richer flavor.
• Half and Half: Half and half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Tortellini: Cheese tortellini works just as well as ravioli in this recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella can replace Parmesan for a milder finish.

Variations

• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and extra greens.
• Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat if your crew likes bold flavors.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and let it melt before serving for an extra cozy touch.

Tips and Tricks

• Add Pasta at the End: Ravioli cooks quickly and adding it late keeps it from turning mushy.
• Stir Gently: Gentle stirring keeps the ravioli intact and looking pretty on the plate.
• Let It Rest: The sauce thickens as it sits, so a short rest before serving makes a big difference.
• Season to Taste: Give the sauce a taste before serving and adjust salt if needed.
• Use a Liner for Easy Cleanup: Slow cooker liners make cleanup quick and painless.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli cooks faster so add it closer to the end and check it early.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and add the ravioli closer to serving time.

Will the sauce thicken enough?

Yes, the cream cheese and Parmesan help the sauce thicken as it rests.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes but it is easy to adjust up or down.

Serving Ideas

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce from the bowl.
• Roasted Vegetables: Adds a little color and texture to the plate.
• Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that pairs well with creamy pasta.
• Crusty Bread: Great for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Gentle Reheating: Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream.
• Make Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and add the ravioli just before serving.
• Portion for Lunches: Leftovers pack well for easy next day lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli is one of those recipes that feels like a small win on a long day. It gives you that rich, comforting, restaurant style dinner feeling without asking you to stand over the stove or juggle a bunch of complicated steps. It is the kind of meal that brings people to the table a little faster and keeps them there a little longer.

If you give this one a try, I hope it becomes one of those recipes you reach for when you want dinner to feel special without the stress. From my kitchen to yours, I hope it brings a little extra comfort to your table and maybe even a few smiles along the way.